Overview
The Distance Learning team in the School of Professional Studies is excited to announce that Consultations with Distance Learning staff are now available for booking, allowing SPS instructors to discuss course design and technology with online learning experts outside of the course development and revision process.
Whether you are new to teaching online or have been teaching online for many years, we are excited to consult with you and look forward to our conversations! If you have any questions, please contact distanceeducation@northwestern.edu.
Why Book a Consultation?
There are many reasons why you might want to chat with a Learning Designer or Instructional Technologist on our team.
- You are curious about the Distance Learning team and want to know more about who we are and what the course development process is like.
- You’ve taught a course once and want to discuss how it went, as well as plan for future changes.
- You want to learn more about teaching and learning theories like Universal Design for Learning or gamification.
- You have an idea for an activity or assignment and would like a second opinion on it.
- You’ve heard of a new educational technology tool and want help determining if it’s right for your course.
Please note that this service provides guidance on course design pedagogy and mindful integration of instructional technology; it is not intended to provide technical support.
Session Types
Questions – 30 Minutes
Meet with a member of the Distance Learning team to ask questions about online learning topics, including but not limited to:
- Developing learning objectives
- Using rubrics
- Creating instructional videos
- Writing engaging discussion prompts
- Composing assignment feedback
Brainstorming – 60 Minutes
Meet with a member of the Distance Learning team to brainstorm ideas for your online course, including but not limited to:
- Designing new assignments
- Implementing engagement strategies for synchronous sessions
- Using digital annotation tools
Planning and Implementation – 90 Minutes
(Available after January 18, 2022)
Meet with a member of the Distance Learning team to plan and implement a project in your online course, including but not limited to:
- Recording and captioning videos
- Revising the steps of a final project
- Installing and writing directions for a new educational technology tool
- How to use or create an Open Education Resource (OER) for your class
Book a Consultation Now
Consultations may be made up to 48 hours in advance and are typically available with Distance Learning staff during business hours (Central Standard Time). We are looking forward to meeting you!
FAQ
I’m teaching at SPS face-to-face. Can I still book a consultation?
Yes, absolutely. Face-to-face courses often include course sites in Canvas, digital readings and tools, and online assignment submission and feedback. Instructors teaching face-to-face are welcome to book consultations with us.
I’m an instructor at Northwestern, but not within SPS. Can I book with you?
Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to support faculty who are not affiliated with SPS. However, the Teaching and Learning Technologies (TLT) team within Northwestern Information Technology offers Consultations to faculty outside of SPS.
I need a ton of help. Can I book a session every day for the next few weeks?
These consultations are intended for intermittent use. If you need extensive support over multiple sessions, please contact your program’s Assistant Director or Program Manager to discuss formal opportunities for continuous improvement or revision of your course.
However, multiple sessions are encouraged over time. For example, you may initially book a Questions session that leads to a future Brainstorming session, which ultimately results in a Planning and Implementation session.
Help! I need technical support immediately!
This service provides guidance on course design pedagogy and mindful integration of instructional technology and is not intended to provide technical support.
However, 24-7 Canvas support is available. Please review the resources below.
Canvas Instructor Guides
Look up the answers to your questions in the detailed Canvas Instructor Guides.
Some common issues addressed in the Instructor Guides:
Canvas Support
Support available 24/7
Phone: 833-879-0860
Email: support@instructure.com
Chat: Live Chat for Instructors
NUIT Support Center
Support available Monday – Friday: 8am-6pm
For NetID, Outlook, and VPN issues, contact the Northwestern IT Support Center.
Phone: 847-491-4357
Email: consultant@northwestern.edu